Variable impulse transmitter



Nov. 4, 1947.

c c. SMITH 2,430,371

VARIABLE IMPULSE TRANSMITTER Filed Feb. 25, 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 7 Nov.4, 1947. 4 c. c, sMn-H 2,430,371

VARIABLE IMPULSE TRANSMI TTER Filed Feb. 25; 1946 2 Sheets-Sheet 2Patented Nov. 4, 1947 VARIABLE IMPULSE TRANSMITTER Charles C. Smith,Adrian, Mich, assignor to Faraday Electric Corporation, Adrian, Mich., acorporation of Michigan Application February 25, 1946, Serial No.650,059

3 Claims. I

This invention relates to a control station of compact and simple form,which isreadily portable and which has a wide range in its selectabledesignations.

This invention has utility when incorporated in an electricallyconnected desk unit, as a switch selector and control in a variableimpulse transmitter for remote devices selectively placed in circuittherewith. More especially, the disclosure is a signal means in codecalling. The signal transmitted may be evidenced by visibl means, asflashes of light, or by sounds, as buzzers, bells, horns, chime and thelike. In the embodiment, the signals may be construed as somewhatanal-Screws l thru suction cups 2 (Figs. II, III, V) and the corners of abase plate 3, assemble end caps or housing members 4, 5 (Figs. I, II,III, V)

ogous to telegraphic code signaling. With the base plate A p 6, thru aSp Referring to the drawings: tongue 'i, may pull, from remote flangeend 8 Fig. I is a plan view, with portions broken having engagement withthe rorwardunder s de away, of an embodiment of th invention as a of theplate 3, a ma or medial housingsection code-signalling unit of smalldimension, which 9, t Position to Overlap the respectlve end may belocated on a desk, and which unit is operhmlsmg members able t select ndtr ns it ignals; Parallel arc slots In, I I (Fig. I), have teeth l3 Fig.II i a enlarged View, from the left of protruding therethru. These teethl3 at the right Fig. I, with om parts broken away and show andprotruding thru the slot in are on a selecing t t m t tive disk memberl4, while the teeth I3 at the Fig. III is a view from the right, oropposit left are ona control disk member l5. The housend of the unitfrom the showing in Fig. II, having the motor drive and transmissionshown fragmentarily;

Fig. IV is a developed or flat view of the wrap section forming the drumfor th selective switch control and located medially of the unit in Fig.I;

Fig. V is a front View of the signal switch, parts being broken away;

Fig. VI is a wiring diagram of the electric circuits for the motor andsignals;

Fig. VII i a side elevation, from the front of the unit, showing thebarrel or cam drum, with the inner or switch control ported drum at itslimit of throw to the right;

Fig. VIII is a partial View on the line VIII- VIII, Fig. VII, showingthe control disk end for the barrel at off position;

Fig. IX is a partial View on the line IX-IX, Fig, VII, showing theselector disk end of the barrel, also at o position as released by thecontrol disk;

Fig. X is a side elevation, from the front of the unit, showing thebarrel or cam drum with the inner or switch control ported drum at itslimit of throw to the left, or most remote from the showing in Fig. VII;

Fig. XI is a view on the line XI-XI, Fig. X, showing the control diskend for the barrel at on position;

Fig. XII is a View on the line XIIXII, Fig. X,

ing wrap or shield 9 is between the slots [0, H, and has a port orwindow IE to expose a selected call, as disclosed thru the window uponrotating the member M. In line with the window I6, is a shorter windowor port ll for disclosing off indicator l8 (Figs. V, VII, X). Uponrotation of the control member l5, effected by the operator thrushifting the teeth l3, the off indicator I8 is brought to register withthe port ll. At this position the unit is idle. Furthermore, the memberI 4 is released, to permit manual selection or re-selection by theoperator pushing or pulling the teeth at the right for movement alongthe slot In. For starting the unit, the teeth I3 at the control member15 are shifted along the slot II to bring an on indicator I9 intoregister with the port [1.

The motor drive From the contact 26 there is a connection thru a line 21to a second switch '25, 26 (Figs. II, VI, XIV). With these switchesclosed, the motor 24 (Figs. I, VI) is connected to operate.

The selector indicator A rim or flange 23 on the member I4 is slightlyinward from the teeth I3. The rim 28 has an end lug 29 to receive aninturned end 3|] (Figs. II, VIII) of a transparency 3| (Figs. I, V) tobe wrapped over a call identifying sheet 32. The sheet 32 has thereoncode number designations 33 with persons or stations 34. Remote from theend 36, the sheet 3| has a similar snap-in mounting for its other end.The sheet 3| is thus in position to hold the sheet 32 in position fortravel within the housing 9 past the window [6.

Setting means for the selector switch An outer drum or barrel 35 (Figs.V, VII, X) is fixed with the selector member I4. The opposite end of thedrum 35 has an outward return flange 36, The inner sides of themountings for the indicators I8, I9, coact as an outer bearing seat 31fixed with the member I5, in which seat 31' the flange 36 rides.

A radial arm 38 (Figs. V, IX, XII) inward from the member I4 providescentering means for the drum 35 in its mounting on a shaft 33. The shaft39 is mounted in bearing brackets 40, 4 I, rising from the base 3 (Figs.V, VII) The drum 35 has a helical slot or cam way 42 thru which extendsa knob or head 43, slidably mounted on a rod 44 (Figs. II, V, VII, X,XIII) terminally fixed in the brackets 46, 4|. This mounting fixes therod 44 in parallel with the shaft 39. Movable with the head 43 asdirected by the way 42 for shifting lengthwise of the drum 35, is aU-shaped spanner 45. The head 43 engages the medial or cross-overportion of the spanner 45, while the legs therefrom extend toward theshaft 33 to have therebetween an inner drum 46. The drum 46 of theindexing means, is freely slidable along the shaft 33, but is held fromrotation relatively to the shaft 39 by a spline 41.

A locking tongue 48 enters corner end notches 43 of an indexin plate 56(Fig. IV) in holding this plate as the cylindrical face for the innerdrum 46. The ends of this plate 50, when formed into the drum 46, areslightly spaced to provide a slot (Figs. V, XIII) extending lengthwiseof the drum 46. At the normal stop position for the drum 46, a downwardpointed finger 52 is in approximate register to enter the slot 5|.

The finger 52 is at the free end of a switch contact arm 53. There isnormal downward flexing tendency for the arm 53 toward a companioncontact 54, While the pointer finger 52 may enter the narrow slot 5|,the finger 52 must come to a more wide opening in the drum 46 to allowthe contacts 53, 54 to close a circuit.

A signal circuit supply line 55 (Figs. I, V, VI) is to the switch 53,54. A lead 56 extends from the switch 53, 54, to a series of remotesignal means 51, the circuits from which are completed by a line 58. Theopening and closing of the switch 53, 54, is effected thru the rotationof the drum 46. The rotation of the drum 46 is not from the directrotation of the disk I4, which only shifts the drum 46 axially, nor fromthe turning of the disk I5, However this latter disk I5 is effectiveindirectly, for it cuts in the motor 24 which has a speed reductiontransmission gearing 59 to drive the shaft 39.

Control switch setting and interlock The control disk I5 is free forturning relatively to the rod 44 extending therethru, for the rod 44 asfixed by the brackets 43, 4|, has clearance by a slot 66 in the disk I5(Figs. II, VIII, XI). At counterclockwise limit of throw, looking fromthe barrel or drum side of the disk I5, the rod 44 is at the lower endof the slot 63 as a stop, and the control identification off is at thewindow II. There is a snap-throw of the control member l5 to thisposition effected thru a radial arm 6| fixed with the member l5 which isloose on the shaft 39. The free end of the arm 6| (Figs, II, V, XIV) hasa grooved knob 62 for a wrap portion of an arced wire spring 63 risingfrom its anchor 64 in the base 3. In this limit of throw for the member|5 into the end of the slot 66, the flexed spring 63 passes a maximumfiex or intermediate dead point and snaps the member I5 to expose theoff indication I8 at the window l1,

At this off position for the member I5, a cam portion 65 (Fig. II) ofthe arm 6| allows the flexible strip carrier for the switch contact 25to move away from the contact 26 for this switch to be open. Lyingagainst the free end of the strip carrying the contact 25 and on theside thereof toward the contact 26 is an arm 66 fixed on a rock shaft 61mounted in the brackets 40, 4 I, parallel to the shaft 33, and oppositefrom the rod 44,

Fixed on the shaft 61 adjacent the member I4 is a pawl or stop carryingarm 68 (Figs. II, IX, )HI). At all contact or closed positions for theswitch 25, 26, the strip carrying the contact 25, lifts the arm 66sufficiently to hold the free end of the arm 68 in engaging relationwith the teeth I3 of the member l4. However, as the control I5 berotated to off position, and there be freedom for the switch 25, 26, toopen, then the shaft 6'! is rocked to swing the arm 68 clear of the diskI 4. The disk I4 is thus released.

A window 69 (Figs. II, VIII, XI) in the member I5, just away from thecontrol slot 60, provides ample clearance for the mounting stripscarrying the switch contacts 53, 54. These strips in their extent frominside the drum 35 thru the disk I5 are to an insulation block 10 at aninwardly offset top of the bracket 4|. The arms SI, 66, are also ofinsulation material.

Fixed with the shaft 33 is an insulation disk or cam II having a notch12. This notch 12 is so angularly positioned as to the narrow slot 5| onthe inner drum 46 that, as the flexible strip carrying the contact 25rides into the cam notch I2, the pointer 52 (Figs. III, V, XIV) is atthe slot 5|. This insures that no 01f throwing of the control member I5is effective until the rotation of the inner drum be completed by thepointer 52 being in register with the slot 5|, In practice this meansthere may be no interruption whatsoever of any call to break into afraction or incomplete call signal.

The interlock arises from throwing of the control member 55 to bring onI9 to the window IT. This rocking of the member I5 is reversely past theradial maximum flex region for the spring 63 and snaps the member l5 tohave the rod 44 ride in the opposite or upper end of the slot 66. Thisswings the arm 6| (Fig. II) so that its cam 65 acts upon the flexiblestrip mounting the contact 25 to shift it clear of the notch 12, shouldit be therein. If the strip already has the contact riding on the disk1| away from the notch 72, then this shifting of the member it to onposition precludes re-entrance to the notch 12. It is accordingly seenthat an interlock relation is established beyond that for off as asequence ending stop only, but for "on to be effective at starting orcuring a signaling performance. At all occasions to shift to onindication E3 to be exposed at the port i1, there is such positioning ofthe arms 6|, 6%, 68, that the selection member M is locked. Powercurrent may now be effective thru the motor 24 and the transmission 59to cause the inner drum 4'! to rotate slowly and continue so to do solong as on be the designation at the window II.

In order to cause change of designation at the window It, the operatormay use his fingers to engage the exposed teeth l3 of the selectormember l4. However, so long as on is at the window II, the selection maynot be made. The operator must first shift the disk I 5 to bring off tothe window H. The turning of th member [4 moves therewith the drum 35and the sheets 3|, 32. The drum 46 is turned as driven by the motor 24.

Indexing for call identifications At the limit counterclockwise throwingor turning of the selector member I4, looking from the right of Fig. V,the head 43 is at the end of the helix guide 42 toward the member [4.Taking this as an initial or starting position, in order to get thereto,at the port ll, there must be shoW- ing of the off designation [8.

The plate 50 which is wrapped to form the drum 46 is provided withselector openings. The drum 46 is now in its closest position to themember l4. Opening 13 (Fig. IV) is the nearest thereto, and there may beadopted 1 to be exposed at the window l6, and with alphabetical listing,this may be F L Andrews. At each rotation of the drum 46, th pointer 52rides once into the opening 113 for a single short electric signal to besent. At a next position over for 2 to show at the window iii, say for DC Barker, the pointer 52 makes two quick contacts in close successionwith a gap. In addition to the opening 13, the contact device 52 ridesinto an opening M. For three, four and five contacts, additionalopenings 15, i6, ii, are in the drum 46.

In order to effect the change from 1 to 2, it is necessary to shift thedisk [5 from on to off. Then when the pointer 52 rides in the slot 5!,the pawl 68 is released and the disk I4 may now be moved to 2. Theoperator then turns the disk l5 from off to on and the two quick flashesor sounds are transmitted to the remote signals spaced by a considerablegap.

At this on position, it may be considered that the motor 24 has itsspeed reduction therefrom impart to the shaft 39 a speed in the range of7 t. P. M. The provision of about 8 seconds for each revolution permitsa readily noticeable gap between as many as ten contacts as quickly madeduring one revolution of the shaft 39. This gap determines the space orclearance between the succession of signals. Further identification aidis provided in holding the spacings between the openings 13, i4, 75, it,Tl, rather close, and a wider gap to an opening 18, with its successionof shorte openings 13, 8!], 8!, 82. The cycles continue unless some timeinterval or limit be provided or there be throwing to off to open thechronous type.

6 switches 25, 26, 53, 54. The chart or index 50 (Fig. IV) is adaptableto handle 30 calls:

1-opening 13 2 I3,l4 3 "13,7 1.15 4 'i3,14,l5,16 5 13,14,15,'l6,1T 11"18,13 12 "18,1314 13 18,13,14,75 14 'l8,|3,l4,15,16 15l8,13,14,15,'|6,11 21 19,'l8,13 22 l9,'l8,13,'l l 23 19,'l8,l3,14,15 2419,'l3,13,'l4,15,16 25 19,18,'l3,14,15,16,17 31 80,'!9,18,13 3280,19,18,13,14 33 80,19,l8,13,14,15 34 80,19,18,13,14,15,16 3580,i9,'i8,13,14,15,!6," 41 8l,8t,l'9,18,13 42 8|,8ll,'l9,18,13,14 438I,8t,19,'|8,13,'l4,15 44 8I,8l1,l9,18,13,14,15,16 458I,80,'l9,18,'l3,14,15,16,11 51 82,8l,89,19,18,13 5282,8I,80,'l9,78,13,14- 53 82,8l,8il,19,18,13,14,15 5482,8I,80,'|9,18,'l3,14,15,16 55 B2,8l,80,'l9,'l8,13,14,15,16,11

It is to be noted that the openings 14-, 15, 16, IT, as crosswise of thechart 50, extend lengthwise of the drum 46. The interruptions in therespective rows registe with the commencement of the continuous openings18, 19, 80, BI, 82, in their extent lengthwise of the drum 46, as fromthe right (Fig. IV). That is, the first signal after the first opening14, is for the openings 13, 18, with the gap greater than the l3, 14,two contact signal per cycle. With the control at off, the selector l4may be operated to any desired first selection, as 54. As the call hasbeen given, a desired interval, the control may be again shifted to 011"another selection made as 31 or 15, and the control member I 5 again setfor on to have the signal sent out. One or more calls are completedbefore re-selection may be made, notwithstanding disk l5 be set to oif.

In the embodiment operating acceptably hereunder, the motor 24 is of theself-starting syn- A small space unit may be with a governed series typemotor, or even of other types of appropriate dimensions.

While reference to the speed reduction of the motor 24 is suggested tobein the range of 7 R.P.M., even with such a predetermined speed, theintermediate gearing 59 may establish a still more slow rate. Also themotor speed may not require such a slow down and still leave th signalsreadily distinguishable. The detectable gap at 55 is from the openings8287. The motor itself may take care of the slow down speed sought, evenwith the absence of the gearing 59.

The character of the terminals is for safe electric current to be thruthe unit and adequate for a signal circuit. In practice, 5 amperecurrent at volts has been used acceptably. However, a preferred range isnot to exceed 5 ampere and the voltage not over 50. When there is arange of voltage above 50, say even up to 115 volts, 1 ampere signalcurrent is more desirable for maintained performance.

drums responding to selector drum axially posi-v tioning the index drumas to said shaft while the index drum is held against rotation, andinterconnecting means from the control as shifted to unlock the drumforcutting in the motor to retate the drum.

2. A code-calling portable unit comprising a.

base, brackets thereon, aorotatable shaft in the brackets, a slow speedmotor drive for the shaft, an index drum splined. to slide along theshaft between the brackets, a manually rockable selector exterior of theindex drum concentric of and movable relatively to the shaft in itsextent from one bracket toward the other; a limited rock control alignedwith the selector, a switch for cutting in the drive, connecting'meansfrom the control off position to open the drive switch and includingrelease means for th selector, an index drum responsive. switch, andconnecting means from the control on position to set the release meansto hold the selector and including,

8 at code starting position for the index drum, a drive switch closingfor the index drum to rotate and operateits switch.

3. A unit comprising a housing, bearing means in the housing, a shaftrotatable in the bearing means, an index drum mounted on and connectedto rotate with the shaft, a rotatable selector mounted on the shaft andhaving connection to move the drum relatively to the shaft, and arockable controller also mounted on the shaft and movable relatively tothe shaft and having engaging means operable therefrom to lock andrelease the selector.

CHARLES 0. SMITH.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,638,417 Sperry Aug. 9, 19271,946,531 Haselton Feb. 13, 1934 2,061,273 Green Nov. 17, 1936 2,075,536Miller Mar. 30,1937 2,100,390 Gofi Nov. 30, 1937 2,183,713 .Field. Dec.19, 1939 2,247,942 Koevend' July 1, 1941 FOREIGN PATENTS Number CountryDate 164,510 Great Britain June 13, 1921

